Deck 4

Question 1

Function of hormones in the liver

Answer 1

• Target organ for hormones effect
• Activator of prohormones
• Provides second messenger hormones
• Provides transport protein to hormone dispersal
• Degradation or excretion of hormones or their
  metabolites

Question 2

Characterise cholestasis & name 3 causes

Answer 2

Cholestasis is the failure to excrete bile

3 causes:
- Extrahepatic obstruction (eg. gallstones in bile duct)
- Selective dysfunction of bile synthesis
- Selective dysfunction of secreting machinery within
hepatocytes themselves

Question 3

Characterise portal hypertension & name 3 causes

Answer 3

Portal hypertension -> restricted blood flow through the
liver to inferior vena cava and
beyond

3 causes:
- Posthepatic causes (obstruction at the level of hepatic
vein tributaries, cardiac causes, pericardial causes,
pulmonary outflow causes)

• Hepatic causes (reduction of sinusoidal flow,
  collagenisation of the sinusoids, cirrhosis)
• Pre-hepatic causes (restricted blood flow into or
  through the portal vein)

Question 4

Characterise jaundice & name 3 causes

Answer 4

Jaundice -> yellow discolouration of sclera & skin,
caused by increased bilirubin in the blood,
hyperbilirubinemia

3 causes:
- Excessive lysis of RBC’s
- A breakdown in the livers ability to conjugate or
excrete bilirubin
- Obstruction of the bile duct system

Question 5

Name 3 causes of hyperbilirubinaemia
(increased level of bilirubin in the blood)

Answer 5

1. Excessive lysis of RBC’s
2. A breakdown in the livers ability to conjugate or
   excrete bilirubin
3. Obstruction of the bile duct system